WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 22, 2026
Washington’s arts and culture calendar is in full swing this week, with citywide Lunar New Year celebrations and an international film festival drawing residents and visitors into a vibrant season of global storytelling and cultural exchange.
Across the District, Lunar New Year events are bringing music, dance, and traditional performances to multiple neighborhoods. Chinatown has been a central hub for festivities, featuring lion dances, parades, and cultural demonstrations, while additional programs at museums and community spaces have expanded the celebration beyond its historic footprint.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art is among the institutions hosting special programming tied to the holiday, offering performances and educational experiences that highlight the traditions and contemporary expressions of Asian cultures.
Also underway is the Smithsonian’s 11th annual Mother Tongue Film Festival, a signature cultural event that presents 25 films in 27 languages representing 14 regions around the world. The festival, which is free to the public, includes post-screening conversations with filmmakers and cultural experts, creating space for dialogue around language preservation, identity, and storytelling.
The convergence of these events reflects Washington’s role as a global cultural crossroads. From community-based celebrations to internationally curated film programming, the week’s offerings emphasize the city’s commitment to cultural diversity and accessibility in the arts.
Additional February programming across the District includes Black History Month tours, concerts, and film screenings, further underscoring the season’s focus on heritage, community, and creative expression.
As winter continues, the city’s cultural institutions and neighborhoods are proving that the arts remain a powerful way to bring people together — celebrating both local traditions and global perspectives in the heart of the nation’s capital.